All Rise...

Editor's Note

The Charge

"Maybe we could just be friends."

Opening Statement

"Whatever happens tomorrow, we had today."

Facts of the Case

Set over the course of twenty-three years, One Day opens on July 15,
1998, with the first meeting between Dexter (Jim Sturgess, Across the
Universe) and Emma (Anne Hathaway, The Devil Wears Prada). The two are
seemingly set for a one-night stand, but when this fails to materialize, they
settle for a lifelong friendship.

As the years take their toll, with Emma unable to rid herself of the
feelings she holds for Dexter, the two find themselves coming together on the
same day every year. As partners come and go, the one constant in their lives is
each other, yet something is always standing in the way of them finally becoming
lovers.

The Evidence

Author David Nicholls' critically acclaimed, and massively popular book
One Day is brought to the big screen by director Lone Scherfig; who,
coming off the acclaim of An
Education, promises much. However, those expecting either the heights of
Scherfig's earlier work or Nicholls' novel are likely to be left wanting.

The screenplay, adapted by David Nicholls from his own book, works in
numerous references to the changing face of popular culture over the past two
decades, with nods to The Simpsons,
Army of Darkness ("My only
complaint was there wasn't enough violence, you didn't mind did you; or did you
want to see Three Colors Blue?"), videogames, and, most prominently, the
ever-changing world of pop music. This goes a long way to drawing the viewer in
and presents an instantly familiar world for those over thirty. Still, although
the two lead roles are written well enough, it's hard not to shake the feeling
the unique structure, which sees Dex and Emma meet up on the same day every
year, fails to do enough to really stand out from the crowd. The story, as it
is, follows the same basic course as most any romantic drama/comedy, and
includes scenes you'll have seen in everything from Jerry Maguire to City of
Angels and beyond. There's also a seemingly morbid need to bring about a
heartrending finale to ensure the tears are in full flow in time for the end
credits. It feels contrived, unnecessary, and not just a little cheap and it
does the film no favors at all. I accept this is only in keeping with the book,
but it would be unfair to other films to accept this plot development simply
because it is faithful to the source material. Still, despite this, it is
undeniable that One Day is an entertaining, if somewhat superfluous,
picture. In more subtle hands the film may have better gotten across its message
on the fragile nature of love, and the despair one feels when it is lost.

When discussing the acting, it is far too easy to center on Anne Hathaway's
Yorkshire accent; indeed, much of the British press was quick to criticize her
wandering dialect, which takes in nearly every accent one can find within the
British isles. However, I shall refrain for two reasons. Firstly, I can do no
better myself—and I'm a Brit. Secondly, and more importantly, Hathaway
delivers an earthy performance that is full of insecurities; the often-cruel
treatment her Emma Morley suffers at the hands of Jim Sturgess' caddish Dexter
Mayhew—though unintentional—is something that will resonate with
many viewers. Sturgess also impresses; in many ways his role as the arrogant
Dexter is the more interesting, as he seemingly gets everything he ever wanted,
yet still finds something missing. That something is obviously Emma. When both
his mother (Patricia Clarkson, The Green
Mile) and Emma advise him that he isn't particularly nice anymore, Sturgess
beautifully portrays the feeling of having let down those he loves. In many
ways, One Day is Dexter's story, and Sturgess conveys the full spectrum
of human emotion without the need for hyperbole.

Director Lone Scherfig turns in a handsome-looking picture that, considering
her previous film, feels like a step toward the mainstream at the cost of some
of her artistry.

The 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer is, at first glance, rather bland. Still,
taking the time to really study the picture reveals an excellent level of
detail, with a sharp, clean image complemented by natural colors. A skinny
dipping scene early on highlights excellent black levels, and confirms the
excellent detail levels are not the sole property of lighter scenes. The 5.1 mix
matches the video presentation stride for stride, with crisp dialogue.

The bonus materials start with a selection of deleted scenes. "Em and
Dex: Through the Years" is a short fluff piece, which sees the cast and
crew discuss the way the characters change over the course of the movie.
"Anne Hathaway: Bringing Emma to Life" is much the same as the
previous piece, but focused solely on Anne Hathaway's role. "The Look of
One Day" is broken down into three smaller featurettes: "Making a 20
Year Love Story," "Creating Emma With Anne," and "Dexter's
Transformation." Finally, along with a selection of trailers, is a rather
bland commentary track.

Closing Statement

Beyond a finale that tries too hard, One Day is an enjoyable movie
that will no doubt be a five-star smash for its intended target audience, yet
still manages to make for a solid three-star movie for everyone else.